On Wed, 20 Feb 2002, Bruce Dawson wrote: > But to be honest with you, I believe the biggest problem ex-M$ users have > with Linux is Linux's command line heritage.
I disagree. In my not-so-humble opinion, I think the whole "GUI vs CLI" argument is a red herring. Choice of user interface style has little to do with the complexity of computer systems. Whether you are using "vi" or "GEdit", you still have to know what you are doing to configure routing properly. Whether you are using REGEDIT or the MMC, you still have to know what you are doing to configure NTDS properly. The issue is the inherent complexity of computer systems, not the user interface. I do know, without a doubt, what the biggest problem facing people looking for an alternative to Microsoft products is, though. Go into a Best Buy or a Circuit City or a CompUSA. Or go online and look at Dell and Compaq and Gateway. Or open up your mail order catalog, or go to a local computer show. Go anywhere, and try and find an IBM-compatible computer that *DOESN'T* come pre-loaded with MS-Windows. That is the biggest problem right there: Microsoft has leveraged their monopoly to the point where "MS-Windows" and "computer" are practically synonymous for the mass-market. To use the classic argument: "How well would Pepsi do if you had to buy a Coke with every meal?" > But, for the newbie, there's probably a better solution ... Newbies should not be trying to install an OS. Installing and configuring a full computer operating system is a pain in the ass, regardless of Linux, Windows, or PC/GEOS. Going from "newbie MS user" to "installing Linux" is a hell of a big leap. (This is not a Linux problem -- these "newbies" are equally screwed when their Windows system needs CPR.) If I have been riding a bicycle my entire life, trying to learn how to drive by building a car from parts is going to be painful. -- Ben Scott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | The opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not | | necessarily represent the views or policy of any other person, entity or | | organization. All information is provided without warranty of any kind. | ***************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the text 'unsubscribe gnhlug' in the message body. *****************************************************************
